German first for ClassNK

Wednesday 11 June 2014

June 11 - Classification society ClassNK has registered its first German-flagged vessel, as well as earned expanded authorisation from the German flag administration for the classification of German flagged vessels.

The announcement was made at a ceremony to mark the successful transfer of the vessel Bremer Fortuna to the ClassNK Register held at Hamburg's Hafen-Klub.

The transfer of the vessel, a multi-purpose cargo ship (MPP) owned by Kollmar-based Rörd Braren Breederungs GmbH marks the first time that ClassNK will provide classification services for a German-flagged vessel.

During the ceremony, Capt Rörd Braren, managing partner of Rörd Braren Breederungs was joined by ClassNK chairman & president Noboru Ueda in celebrating the new partnership.

Speaking on the occasion, Ueda said: "The registration of the vessel marks an important step forward for ClassNK and its growth in Germany, which has seen more than 170 German-owned newbuildings and existing vessels apply for registration with the classification society since it opened its Survey Operations Headquarters in Hamburg at the end of 2011.

In addition to the registration of its first German flagged vessel, ClassNK also announced that it had earned expanded authorisation from the German government to carry out surveys and audits for German flagged vessels. ClassNK initially earned authorisation to classify German flagged vessels and issue statutory certificates on behalf of the German government in February 2013. This authorisation has now been further expanded to included audits and certification for the ISPS Code, a key part of the SOLAS convention related to ship security.